What to expect from Complexity v. Astralis

Complexity has an absolute mountain to climb if they hope to qualify to the stage in Washington, D.C. with their upcoming game against Astralis. The Danish squad, despite their struggles, remain one of the top teams in international Counter-Strike. Both Complexity and Astralis come into this game with their backs against the wall for the final event of the season. For Complexity, this is the time to finally step up and show that their IEM Katowice performance was not just a fluke and for Astralis, this is to prove that they are well on their way back to the top.

Complexity have the stand-in buff

Aran "Sonic" Groesbeek stepping into the Complexity team was an interesting move, especially for a player that had not been at the top of competition for a bit of time. However, he looks like he has not missed a single step as he has jumped into the squad and already showed his ability. Now, the team is obviously missing Håkon "hallzerk" Fjærli, but can Sonic be an adequate replacement, especially to close out the season?

• Complexity have only beaten Evil Geniuses recently

• JT needs to pull out some unorthodox plays against rigid Astralis

• FaNg has to be consistent across all maps

Astralis is truly a WIP

"Is Astralis good?" is a constant question that we have to ask ourselves. On one hand, they missed the Major. On the other, they've actually been a solid team taking down equally weighted European opponents, something that Complexity has had trouble with. Despite wins against Cloud9 and Liquid, Astralis have also had losses to ENCE, MOUZ, and FaZe. Again, nothing to scoff at, but some inconsistency there as well.

• device continues to play like his dominant self

• Altekz and Buzz prove they belong

• Get the maps they need to make this a no doubter

Previous Matchups

The two cores have not played each other before, sadly. Complexity have had their European adventures few and far between, while Astralis has somehow missed them at events they both are at.

Likely Vetoes

Tough decision on the vetoes. We could see Complexity pick to their strengths, or force Astralis into something they're more uncomfortable with. Vetoes do, unfortunately, favor the Europeans.

• Complexity bans Mirage; Permaban

• Astralis bans Anubis; Permaban

• Complexity picks Overpass; It's their best, but also Astralis is strong

• Astralis picks Ancient; first pick usually

• Decider will be Inferno

Extras

There is a little bit of a rivalry between the two teams since it was Complexity that gamed the ESL World Ranking by playing multiple North American Cash Cups to earn enough points to qualify for IEM Katowice ahead of Astralis. Is there a grudge on either side? Maybe. Who knows, but it makes it fun as a viewer!